How Do You Write a Good Character Letter for Court?

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by Amber Zehrung

Character letters help show judges and District Attorneys (DAs) that you are more than your latest mistake. They can be vital tools in navigating your criminal case. A character letter can help you: Receive a more lenient sentence. Convince a judge to offer deferred adjudication, which gives you a chance to avoid a conviction if you meet certain conditions. Continue reading →

Why AI Legal Advice Can’t Replace a Criminal Defense Attorney

June 4, 2026June 4, 2026 by Angel Sanchez

AI gave you the answer. But is it the right answer for your legal problem? AI will give you immediate answers, clear, confident explanations, and a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s free or close to free, and it’s convenient. It even feels private. Continue reading →

Truckee & Lake Tahoe Vacation Crimes: What to Do If Your Trip Ends with Criminal Charges

May 4, 2026May 6, 2026 by Roy Park

We all want you to have fun in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, but sometimes vacations can get out of hand. An innocent night of fun can turn into a criminal case that follows you home. Snowboarding turns to drinking, you drive back to your cabin thinking you’re “fine,” and suddenly you’re staring down the barrel of a DUI charge. Continue reading →

Reducing Your Sentence with AB600 in California

June 1, 2025June 19, 2026 by Roy Park

If California law has changed since your sentencing, you could be eligible for resentencing under a new law called AB600. Resentencing could mean a reduced sentence or even a determination that you’ve served all of your time and can go free. Continue reading →

Keeping Your License After a DUI License Suspension

December 13, 2022October 21, 2024 by Camille Halley

Written by Zachary Merliss December 13, 2022; reviewed by Camille Halley October 21, 2024. If you are arrested for a DUI, then the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will suspend or revoke your license (know your rights if you are pulled over for a DUI). Continue reading →

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in CA?

September 8, 2022September 15, 2023 by David Cohen

How much does a good DUI lawyer cost in California? A lot less than it costs to go to jail for a DUI! Beyond that truism, costs can depend on a number of different factors, but the general range for an average case is $1500-$20,000. Continue reading →

Know Your Rights If You Are Pulled Over for a DUI

August 3, 2022September 15, 2023 by Zachary Merliss

It’s important to know and protect your rights when you are pulled over for a DUI. During a DUI traffic stop, be sure you take the time to understand what to do so you retain your Fourth Amendment Rights to remain free from unreasonable search and seizure, as well as your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Continue reading →

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer After Being Arrested for DUI?

April 12, 2021October 21, 2024 by Danielle Keller

Can You Refuse a Breathalyzer After Being Arrested for DUI? If you are lawfully arrested for a DUI in California, you are required to take a Breathalyzer or blood test. You may get a longer jail sentence and/or a longer DUI class if you are convicted for both the DUI and refusing the Breathalyzer or blood test. Continue reading →

Why a Failed Field Sobriety Test Might Not Mean a DUI

February 22, 2021November 10, 2023 by Zachary Merliss

When people learn I am a DUI attorney, they often ask me: “Do you really go to jail if you can’t say the alphabet backwards?” Field sobriety tests like this one are often portrayed on TV as impossible tests, designed for failure. Continue reading →

When a Blood Alcohol Level of .10 After Driving Is Not a DUI

December 2, 2020August 2, 2024 by Zachary Merliss

As one of my clients would tell you, it is not illegal to have a .10 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) 30 minutes after driving. What matters for a DUI is your BAC being below the California limit of .08 at the time of driving. Continue reading →